Govt steps up building programme

Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford

Over a period of 10-15 years, 2,700 worn-out state houses will be replaced by 10,000 new homes.

Those 10,000 new homes will be made up of approximately 3,000 new state houses, up to 3,500 new KiwiBuild and affordable homes for first home buyers, and 3,500 market homes.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford revealed the ambitious plan while opening the Mangere Development Information Centre this morning.

He says that signing off on the business case for the Mangere redevelopment was one of the first things he did as Minister.

But now that consultation with affected families has been undertaken, they can lay out the plans publicly.

Tywford says that the redevelopment now involves 3,000 more homes than the initial plan put to him when he came to office and that the new homes will be for families from all walks of life.

But he is determined that the local community benefits from this re-development and are not priced out of the new homes.

HLC (formerly the Hobsonville Land Company) which is managing the project is working to keep the prices of KiwiBuild homes as low as possible, he says.

“Prices and exact numbers will be finalised as building contracts are agreed. Long-term rent and shared equity options are also under development.

“Building up to 3,500 KiwiBuild homes will give local families a realistic shot at homeownership – which helps families put down roots in their community and provides stability for children.”

Stage 1a of the redevelopment is now underway.

Thirty-five state houses are being demolished to be replaced by 66 more state houses and 100 other homes - at least half of these homes will be KiwiBuild and affordable.

The building of the first new state houses will start in the next few months and are due to be finished mid-2019.

The first KiwiBuild and affordable homes will be complete towards the end of 2019 and early 2020.

Twyford says that with its location near the route of the coming light rail line, the Mangere redevelopment is an example of the opportunities opened up by the creation of the new rapid transport network.

“With new homes for families and access to light rail, this is going to be a great outcome for the Mangere community.”

The Mangere announcement comes hot on the heels of news that up to 400 affordable homes will be built in Northcote under the KiwiBuild programme.

Those homes are also part of a redevelopment of Housing NZ land. That project will create 1,200 new homes – some of which will be market homes.

Both developments are part of the Auckland Housing Programme which aims to build more than 23,000 new dwellings on crown land.